Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Premieres at Venice, TIFF with Star-Studded Cast

Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has garnered significant attention, premiering at major film festivals before its theatrical release on October 17, 2025, and streaming on Netflix November 7. Del Toro presents the story as an emotional exploration of humanity, fatherhood, and responsibility, rather than just a horror film, with Oscar Isaac playing Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature. Elordi underwent an intense transformation process involving extensive makeup sessions, describing the role as a deeply personal and almost spiritual experience. The film's narrative focuses on the complex father-son dynamic between Victor and his creation, highlighting themes of legacy, cruelty, and forgiveness, diverging from the original novel to emphasize emotional depth. Critics and audiences have praised the film's meticulous craftsmanship, including period-specific details, lush visuals, and strong performances, reinforcing its status as a bold and heartfelt retelling. Complementing the movie, a companion book titled The Art & Making of Frankenstein by Sheila O’Malley, featuring insights from del Toro and Isaac, will be released alongside limited collector editions.